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Aromatherapy is the use of aromatic plant oils, including essential oils, for psychological and physical well-being.

Aromatherapists blend therapeutic essential oils and suggest methods of use such as topical application (to the site), massage, inhalation or water immersion (in a bath) to stimulate the desired responses. These oils can stimulate, balance, uplift, soothe and calm – and it all seems to start with the mind.

The sense of smell

The nostrils open up inside the skull to form the nasal cavity, which sits directly beneath the brain. Embedded in the ceiling of the nasal cavity are the olfactory (sense of smell) cells. Each cell has tiny, moist hairs that trap odour molecules.

It is thought that an odour is translated into electrical impulses by these cells, then passed on to the brain via the two olfactory bulbs. The message is interpreted by a part of the brain called the cerebral cortex.

Change is triggered in the brain

According to aromatherapy theory, the aromatic plantoil molecules bring about changes in the brain. Studies with brain wave frequency have shown that smelling lavender increases alpha waves in the back of the head, which are associated with relaxation. Fragrance of jasmine increases beta waves in the front of the head, which are associated with a more alert state.

Scientific studies have also shown that essential oils contain chemical components that can exert specific effects on the mind and body. Their chemistry is complex but generally includes aldehydes, alcohols, ketones, terpenes and esters. The effects of these chemical components are summarised in the table.

Each essential oil contains as much as a hundred chemical components, which together exert a strong effect on the whole person. Depending on which component is prevalent in an oil, the oils have different effects. For example, some oils are relaxing, some sooth, some relieve pain, etc. aromatherpay oils have also been used to boost the body’s own immune response, as well as to ease fear and anxiety. The mechanism in which these essential oils act is not very well understood. What is understood is that they enter the body either by absorption or inhalation, that they affect our mind and emotions, and that they leave no harmful residues.

Special odours can boost cognition

A study done in 2003 showed that Rosemary could increase alertness. Additionally, it produced a significant enhancement of performance for overall quality of memory and secondary memory factors.

Research out of the Neurological Clinic at the University of Kiel in Germany demonstrated that the essential oils of peppermint and eucalyptus increased cognitive performance. These same oils also had a relaxing effect on the mind and muscles.

This article and the table opposite have been adapted by kind permission of Vital Club Magazine.

FOR THE BRAIN

LAVENDER
Lavender may be good for reducing anxiety before sitting for a test or giving a presentation, for example.

GINGER
Ginger is thought to promote alertness and stimulate cognition.

JASMINE
Jasmine has been linked with an alert and awake mental state.

CITRUS OILS
Citrus oils such as Orange are also felt to be energising. Some companies are even using lemon essential oils in offices to negate the effects of the post-lunch dip on alertness.

                                                                                                   

Chemical component	Properties	Essential oils containing it
Aldehydes	Anti-inflammatory, calming, sedative and antiviral.	Those with a characteristic lemon-like smell,     such as lemongrass, lemon balm, citronella,   and eucalyptus
Alcohols	Bactericidal, stimulant, energising, vitalising,     and diuretic. (our pancreas produces 32 kinds of   alcohol for use in human metabolism.)	Rose, pettitgrain, rosewood, peppermint,     myrtle, tea tree, sandalwood, patchouli and   ginger
Phenols	Strongly bactericidal, tonic, stimulates immune     system, invigorating and warming. Can produce     slight liver toxicity if taken in high doses for     extended periods of time. Used in lip balms and   cough drops.	Clove, cinnamon, thyme, oregano, savoury,   cumin
Ketones	Wound healing, mucolytic (eases the secretion of   mucous), stimulates new cell growth.	Camphor, rosemary, sage, eucalyptus globulus   and hyssop
Terpenes	Very stimulating	Lemon, orange, bergamot, black pepper, pine,   nutmeg and angelica
Sesquiterpenes	Antiphlogistic (moves fluids), anti-inflammatory,     sedative, antiviral, bacteriostatic, immune   stimulant.	Blue chamomile, immortelle, tansy, yarrow   and tagetes
Esters	Antifungal, sedative, calming, spasmolytic,   fungicidal, anti-inflammatory.	Roman chamomile, lavender, clary sage,   pettitgrain and bergamot
Lactones (part of ester group)	Anti-inflammatory and mucolytic.	Arnica and elecampane
Ethers	Harmonising to the nervous system, antiseptic,     stimulant, expectorant (increases secretions),   spasmolytic and diuretic.	Cinnamon, clove, anise, basil, tarragon,   parsley and sassafras